Shuga, an award-winning educative MTV Base drama series, is set to return for its fifth season.
The show, which preaches the gospel of HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health among teenagers and young women, will this season focus on South Africa.
With a particular focus on adolescent girls and their vulnerability to HIV infection and unintended pregnancy, Shuga 5 is set to highlight issues affecting young people, having done that in Kenya and Nigeria in previous seasons.
The plot will revolve around Ikubese Emmanuel Ifeanyi, veteran cast member and former “Mr Nigeria” who acts the role of “Femi”, a music promoter from Nigeria who’s been living with HIV for four years, while Adesua Etomi plays the role of Femi’s girlfriend, “Sheila”.
Also returning is Mohau Mokoatle Cele, South African actress (who plays a dissatisfied teenage singer, “Bongi”) as well as Nick Mutuma’s “Leo” who’s looking to find some escape from his past actions.
Vanessa Mdee, Tanzanian TV and radio personality and recording star, will interpret the role of “Storm” – a trophy wife with a wandering eye.
Also joining the cast is Thuso Mbedu, “Scandal” actor, who will play the role of Ipeleng, an ambitious schoolgirl who’s raising her younger brother after the death of her mother, while Jezriel Skei, a 17-year old best known for his award-winning performance in “Four Corners”, will play the new role of soccer-mad macho-man, “Q” or “Quinton”.
Who’s Out?
Dorcas Shola Fapson who emerged from the show looks to have moved on, she is now the host of The Juice. It looks as if she is joined by Jemima Osunde, Chris Attoh, Timini Egbuson, Peace Hyde and Olamide Oworu as some of those whose last regular appearances will be in Shuga Season 4 but with anyone who knows the show well enough, you can never be too sure who pops up and when they do.